The women’s rugby team began the spring season with a confidence injecting performance against James Madison University.West Chester ran over JMU 61-7, the team they have overcome the past two years to advance into the National Tournament. The win brought WCU’s record to an even 4-4. The showing surely brought a smile to coach Tony DeRemer’s face.
The Golden Rams scored a total of nine trys in the game, and Megan Lamm converted on four of them. She also scored two trys of her own, giving her 21 total points on the day, tying the school record for point in one game. Sara Glick scored two trys as well, and Jenna McGrath recorded her first try as a college rugby player.
West Chester jumped out on top early in the contest, scoring in the first two minutes and never looking back. They held a 29 point lead at the half, and nearly shut JMU out. The hosts scored in the final minute of play and converted to keep from being shut out.
Just this past Saturday, the team traveled to Delaware to take on the Delaware Blue Hens. The outcome was not as pleasing, as they fell to the Hens 20-13 in a hard fought battle.
The West Chester squad, who has struggled with injuries, fell behind early in the competition. Megan Lamm and Sasha Stauffer each scored to try to bring the Golden Rams back, but it was too little too late as Delaware was able to hang on to their lead.
These games are in the past now, and ultimately mean nothing to the final outcome. The first game against James Madison University was a huge confidence booster for the Rams. It showed them what kind of damage they are capable of. The loss to Delaware dropped them under the .500 level on the season, but that does not matter. They are as big as practice scrimmages. All that matters now is next weekend; March 21st.
This game against the Virginia Tech Hokies is the biggest game of the 2008-09 season thus far. A win in that game will solidify West Chester a slot in the 2009 USA National Rugby Union Tournament later in April. West Chester will have to take this next week to get ready for the match. They need to rest up and heal from the past two games, and mentally prepare for what is ahead of them. They have the talent and experience. West Chester has been there the past three seasons.
On Saturday, March 21, West Chester will host Virginia Tech in Pharrel Stadium at 11:00 a.m., in the first round of the MARFU tournament, which West Chester qualified for by winning the EPRU championship.
Ryan Frisco is a second-year student majoring in Communication studies. He can be reached at RF648257@wcupa.edu.